Highlights of this hike:1. This hike combines both ancient villages vist and high mountains hike: The first day’s walkin is relaxing and the second day’s walking is challenging;2. Explore three ancient Ming villages which offer a snapshot of history in one day. The folk villages are fascinating and delightful, that help you understand Chinese culture and ancient architecture; 3. Challenging hike from the Yellow-Grass Mountain to North Lingshan Mountain. Both these two mountains are above 2000 meters;4. Big challenge for experienced hikers;5. Awesome views for photographers; 6. Small group of maximum of 15 travelers. The group usually has 6-12 travelers;7. No commission shopping stops.

Price and discount:The cost is 1700RMB (about 250 US$) per person. It covers transportation, entrance fees, water, three meals and guides. We give 10% discount for students, members and kids under 12’s.

Detailed itinerary:Day 1: Three Ancient Villages VisitMany ancient villages in rural Beijing offer a snapshot of history, as they have been preserved, virtually unchanged since they were built. Some folk villages are fascinating and delightful, that help you understand Chinese culture and ancient architecture.

During our trip, we will visit three ancient villages: Chuandixia Village, Double Stone Village and Baiyu Village. Chuandixia Village is an old hill village and it is one of the most well conserved ancient villages in all of China. It is situated on an ancient post road in the mountainous area This village is famously known as the "Potala Palace" of Beijing.

Double Stone village and Baiyu village are very lovely ancient villages. They still retain their original appearances. Some people there still live a very natural original lifestyle. You can see the doors which are made of branches and the houses which are made of stones.

Day 2: Yellow-Grass Mountain-North Lingshan Mountain HikeThe Yellow-Grass Mountain is a combination of natural landscape and human landscape. And people have not yet developed the West Beijing mountains, which makes its beauty even more natural and pure. The Yellow-Grass Mountain contains well preserved natural vegetation, and the plant species change depending on mountain elevation. The peak is a famous alpine meadow in Beijing -Shiliping, which covers an area of 1,500 meters above sea level. The lookout towers of the Yellow-Grass Mountain are very closely spaced and tightly interconnected. Lookout towers numbers 6 to 11, along with a banging stone lookout tower, are commonly known as the "7 buildings". These acted as defens’ posts during the Ming Dynasty and have been very well preserved. The "7 building" were a line of defense, which was built after senior Defense Department officials and local officials observed the terrain during the Ming Dynasty.

We will start our hike from a trail in the mountains. This trail isn’t very steep but it is very long and keeps on going up. In the Yellow-Grass Mountain area, in addition to the ancient Great Wall, there are many distinctive attractions to enjoy. The most notable of all is the "Elephant Trunk". There is a path on the hillside, atop is a cliff, below are deep valleys which are about 20 meters deep and 2 meters in diameter. A pillar leans on the cliff, which looks exactly like an elephant, making this area a popular location for taking photos. The Yellow-Grass Mountain also has a variety of rocks in its vegetation, as well as ancient monuments.

We will reach the "Shiliping" alpine meadow about 2.5 hours later and will have our lunch there. After lunch we will walk northwest to reach the North Lingshan Mountain. We will come down from the north side of mountain and our driver will be waiting for us at the parking lot of North Lingshan Mountain.

Bad weather plan:We will email you 2-3 days before the hike to let you know about the weather condition. If there is thunder storm, heavy rain or strong wind we will cancel the hike or change the dates.

What to bring on this hike?1. Snacks and the second day’s lunch;2. Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt; 3. A bottle of sports drink with salt content;4. Comfortable sport shoes (hiking boots are strongly suggested).

What is included on this hike? 1. Air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver;2. English-speaking hiking tour guide;3. Entrance fees; 4. Unlimited bottled water;5. Three meals and one night’s accommodation.

What is excluded on this hike? 1. Travel insurance;2. Cable car, chairlift, toboggan (slide way) or any other additional local facilities;3. Personal expenses.

Customize this hike and make a private reservation:In addition to our regular weekly hikes, we also offer private tours. You can customize a private hike for you, your family or your friends exclusively. Just tell us what you want and we will organize a hike for you, with places, guides, transport, food, and accommodation all taken care of. You can make a private reservation on the private tour page.

Pricing for a private tour:

Group size

1

2

3

4-5

6-9

10+

Cost (per person)

6000

3500

3000

2500

2200

1800

1. A private tour is more flexible. Both extra distance and less distance are available.2. Discounts are available for larger groups.3. Prices are quoted in Chinese dollars.